The British and the Americans, two nations separated by a common language, as the saying goes. There are indeed some rather interesting differences between them, especially when it comes to language.

The British have their own unique way of expressing things. For example, they might say "lorry" instead of "truck", or "flat" instead of "apartment". Their pronunciation can also be quite distinct, with a certain elegance and charm.

On the other hand, the Americans have their own brand of English. They tend to be more casual and direct in their speech. They might use words like "elevator" instead of "lift", or "cookie" instead of "biscuit". Their pronunciation can sometimes be more nasal and less refined.

These differences in language can lead to some misunderstandings and humorous situations. But at the end of the day, they also add to the rich tapestry of the English language and make it all the more interesting. Whether you're British or American, or somewhere in between, there's no denying the power and beauty of the English language.

Maybe more like 2.9 stars.

This book, which is nearly 40 years old, is indeed a bit outdated. However, it still manages to be an amusing read that imparts some truths. The humor within it is a bit self-conscious and heavy-handed at times. Despite its age, it holds great anthropological and historical value. It offers insights into the past and can be a valuable resource for those interested in these fields.

Overall, it is lightly recommended. It may not be a perfect book, but it has its merits and can provide an interesting and enjoyable reading experience, especially for those with a particular interest in anthropology or history.

Most of the information and opinions presented in this book are rather outdated.

Some of them are just downright strange.

However, to my surprise, it did manage to make me chuckle a few times.

The author's unique perspective and perhaps a touch of eccentricity shine through in certain passages.

Despite its flaws, there is something oddly charming about the book.

It's as if it's a time capsule, preserving a particular era's thoughts and ideas.

While it may not be a must-read for everyone, those with an open mind and a sense of humor might find some entertainment value in it.

It serves as a reminder that even in the world of literature, there are works that defy expectations and offer a different kind of reading experience.

This was mostly quite funny, yet at times the analysis was a little off. I would have had a greater liking for it, but it was blatantly outdated. Why refer to couples such as Brad and Jen or Madonna and Guy? This detracted from some of the points.

The chapter on Brit-cool vs Ameri-cool brought to my mind the time when I was 10 or 12 and my uncle attempted to pretend as if he understood how Bad was Good. You just have an urge to cringe and exclaim, "By talking about it, you've spoiled it."

It seems that the examples used in the article were perhaps from a bygone era and didn't quite resonate with the current context. However, the overall concept and the humorous tone still managed to engage the reader to some extent.

Maybe with some updated references and a more in-depth analysis, this could have been a really great piece. As it stands, it has its moments of entertainment but also leaves room for improvement.

I had high hopes that this book would be something I could recommend to my students.

As I work in the study abroad office of a university, I am always on the lookout for useful resources.

However, this book failed to meet that need.

At this point, the cultural references and insights it provides are out of date.

The author seems unable to accurately summarize the experiences of anyone outside her own age group.

If you are in your forties or fifties and did all of your travel to the UK before 2004, you might love this book.

But otherwise, you will probably find many of her observations to be off the mark.

It's a pity because a more updated and inclusive perspective would have made this book a valuable asset for students planning to study abroad in the UK.

As it stands, I cannot in good conscience recommend it to them.

Hopefully, the author will consider revising the book to make it more relevant and useful for a wider audience.

This book truly served as a vivid flashback to the 1980s. While some of the broad stereotypes presented might potentially hold a grain of truth, it is rather concerning to note that the author seems to lack in-depth knowledge of any social class other than the upper classes in both countries. It is quite astonishing that an American author could have such limited and seemingly superficial knowledge about her own fellow Americans. I couldn't help but get the impression that perhaps she had never really ventured beyond the boundaries of New York during her time living here, even when considering the significant cultural differences that have emerged over the last few decades.

PS. It is an absolute fact that no one who has ever had the pleasure of tasting Devonshire ice cream could ever be under the misapprehension that ice cream in America is superior. The rich, creamy, and indulgent flavor of Devonshire ice cream is simply unrivaled, and once you've experienced it, you'll never look at American ice cream in the same way again.

Funny, but out of date. Generalizations about Americans are unfounded. It's not the case that everybody wants to be famous and not everybody worships at the church of Oprah. In fact, we Americans like a wide variety of things, not just ice cream. There are countless interests and hobbies that we pursue. I did enjoy the language and the more direct comparisons in the original text, though! It makes me curious and anxious to see how accurate the generalizations about the British are. Are they as unfounded as those about Americans? Or is there some truth to them? I look forward to finding out and seeing if the same kind of humor and insights can be applied to the British as well.

The statement "Amusing at first but full of stereotypes that no longer ring true three decades later" holds an interesting perspective.

At first glance, something might have seemed amusing, perhaps due to the novelty or the way it was presented. However, as time has passed, those initial amusements may have given way to a realization that the content was based on stereotypes.

Stereotypes are generalizations about a group of people that often do not accurately represent the individuality and diversity within that group. What might have been considered acceptable or even humorous three decades ago may now be seen as outdated and inappropriate.

As society has evolved and become more aware of the importance of equality and respect, our understanding of what is acceptable has also changed. We now recognize that stereotypes can be harmful and can perpetuate unfair judgments and discrimination.

It is important to be critical of the media and other forms of entertainment that we consume and to question whether they are reinforcing stereotypes or promoting a more accurate and inclusive view of the world.

This is truly a great book.

It is not only highly educational, providing a wealth of valuable knowledge and insights, but also extremely entertaining.

Personally, I rarely have the inclination to finish a book in just a few days or even a few hours.

However, this particular book had such a captivating charm that I found myself completely engrossed and managed to read it during several train rides.

The author has done an excellent job of weaving together an engaging story with important lessons and ideas.

It kept my attention from start to finish, and I couldn't put it down.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a good read that is both informative and enjoyable.

Two thumbs up for this outstanding piece of literature!

This book is a bit dated, yet it is really funny. In fact, it is better written than 'Rules, Britannia', which is also quite amusing. However, my all-time favourite book about the English remains 'Watching the English' by Kate Fox.

'Watching the English' offers a unique and in-depth look into the English culture, traditions, and social norms. Kate Fox's writing style is engaging and witty, making it a pleasure to read.

Although the other two books have their own charm, 'Watching the English' stands out for its comprehensive and insightful analysis. It provides a better understanding of the English people and their way of life.

Overall, while this book is entertaining, it doesn't quite match up to the brilliance of 'Watching the English'.

A mildly amusing book indeed. I picked this book up on a whim as it was a bargain. I had seen it around and thought it would be a "cute" and distinct read. However, it seems to be only for a very niche group of people. Apparently, author Walmsley penned a whimsical and irreverent guide to the differences between how people in the US think and how British people think.

Everything from language to customs to pop culture is covered. There are moments that are quite amusing and worthy of a giggle, but mostly it's not incredibly funny or interesting. As other reviews point out, the book is out of date (at least my version is). But I'd imagine that if you or someone you know has spent a significant amount of time in either country, you might recognize some of the bits here.

It might be a good book for a couple in a trans-Atlantic relationship or someone studying abroad and staying long term in one of the countries. But it's not compelling and wouldn't be at the top of my list as a great gift pick. If you're interested, check it out from the library, but I wouldn't go to great lengths to read it either.

The article was written in the 80s, which makes it a little dated. However, it still manages to be funny and mostly accurate.

There isn't a whole lot of truly memorable content within it, but it does have its amusing moments.

Perhaps it's the nostalgia factor that adds to its charm. The language and references may be from a bygone era, but they can still bring a smile to one's face.

Even though it may not be filled with earth-shattering revelations or profound insights, it serves its purpose as a lighthearted read that can provide some entertainment.

Overall, while it may not be a literary masterpiece, it has its own unique appeal and is worth a read for those who enjoy a bit of humor from the past.